The Government of Canada Supports Anniversary Celebrations in Chester

January 02, 2009

CHESTER, Nova Scotia, January 2, 2009 – The region’s residents and visitors will have the opportunity to take part in the 250th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Municipality of the District of Chester, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s), today announced funding for the Chester Municipal Heritage Society, which will support Chester’s anniversary celebrations, which are taking place in 2009.

This 250th anniversary will be an opportunity to promote the social, cultural and economic history of the area. Activities will include cultural, artistic and social heritage events, such as re-enactments, historical walking tours, heritage lectures and demonstrations, concerts, arts and crafts exhibitions, and a variety of workshops on topics like period costumes and vessels, heritage gardening, and marine and fabric arts.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support the 250th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Municipality of Chester,” said Minister Moore. “We are proud to partner with communities to support activities that promote local arts and heritage and strengthen the local economy.”

“Celebrations like this one bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building stronger communities,” said Mr. Keddy. “I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage.”

“Funding from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program will enable us, as a municipality, to benefit from a year-long 250th anniversary celebration for the Municipality of the District of Chester,” said Carol A. Nauss, Chair of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society. “It will also provide multiple opportunities to focus attention on our long-range objective, the planned restoration of Lordly Estate as an educational, heritage, and research centre for the Municipality of the District of Chester.”

The Government of Canada has provided this funding of $26,596 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.